Mediamen, writers formed Independent Press Zamboanga

Professor Emmanuel Mangubat (in green shirt), freelance journalist Hader Glang (in orange t-shirt), government radio station anchorman Bernie Concepcion (with cap) and freelance columnist Nung Ajihil (in yellow t-shirt) are the core group members during the founding of Independent Press of Zamboanga (IPZ) on July 5, 2007 At Atoa Restaurant in Tumaga.

A group of independent-minded writers and media practitioners in Zamboanga City has formed a new organization dedicated to pursue the ideals and tenets of responsible journalism and press freedom.

Close to 30 participants from the different media outfits and organizations met at Atoa Restaurant in Tumaga Sunday (August 5, 2007) and formally adopted a founding charter for the Independent Press of Zamboanga (IPZ).

Participants mandated Prof. Emmanuel Mangubat, columnist of Zamboanga Today, as the first IPZ president, while Hader Glang of Zamboanga Southwall and Nippon Hoso Kyokai (NHK) World and Bernie Concepcion of DXMR-Radyo ng Bayan as vice presidents for external and internal affairs, respectively.

They also chose freelance columnist Nung Ajihil, secretary general; Henry Salac of Zamboanga Weekly Contact, treasurer; Ely Dumaboc of Net 25 and Eagle Broadcasting, auditor; Mon Venegas of Radio Mindanao Work-Radyo Agong, director for broadcasting; and Mahal Sienes of Mindanao Chronicle, director for print.

The new group says it hopes to pursue the following objectives:

a. To uphold the tenets, principles and ethics of journalism; b. To safeguard and protect the constitutional rights and civil liberties of its members and the general public; c. To advance the professional interest and welfare of its members and colleagues; d. To establish harmonious relations among its members, colleagues, and general prublic; e. To uphold fairness, objectivity, responsibility and integrity in the exercise of press freedom; f. And to mold public opinion and crystallize issues affecting public interest.

Mangubat said other objectives of IPZ are also to train future writers and columnists involving mass communication students of Western Mindanao State University and Ateneo de Zamboanga University to establish linkeages with national and international press/media organizations.

"Let me point out that just because we are an indepent media, we will always criticize and criticize...we will give credit where credit is due...we are not against anyone...but we are against of its stand on issues," he said.

For Ajihil, the new organization was formed because it is high time that Zamboanga City should have a real independent media. He said there are many things that the media can get involved with.

"Like political and socio-economic development issues wherein these things should be well presented in its proper perspective without any fear or favor," he said.

"So this group will look into all of these things as we believe that we should truly reflect the sentiment of the people on issues affecting everybody," he added.

The IPZ is planning to hold its induction before the end of this month. It also invites all independent minded journalists in the city to join and participate. Prof. Clem Bascar and businessman Manny Tan are the group founding fathers.